Fashionista Dreams in Style, Designer Article Series, Part 11

Fashion is more than universal.  There is a spirit of change that is embodied in the outfits that we wear and there is a message and sense of being that comes from finding that style which fits you.  This article series is being written to allow you a sneak peek into the lives of some of designers that are part of the 2012 Phoenix Fashion Week.  The interviews comprise of candid discussions and questions asked of the designers and my interpretation of their answers.   The write-up will be a summary of the conversation.

Paulie Gibson always had fashion on his mind since he was a little boy.  He actually can’t remember a time when he was not involved somehow with fashion and this is mostly attributed to his mom.  There were several contributing factors to his heightened developed sense of fashion.  Paulie experienced life challenges like many do based on family structure changes and the economy; however, he learned through his mother to be resourceful and creative and to reflect an appearance that made him feel good no matter what the circumstances that laid behind.  This was the strength that has pushed him forward.  In high school Paulie learned of a fashion school and his destiny was clear, he would pursue what he had always known.

Paulie’s favorite part of fashion is the transformation and the power in clothes, in how it controls perceptions and the overall transformative quality that exists and is so important.  If you feel good and look good in what you wear, it helps to diminish the less important things that really don’t matter.  He has used fashion to express his unique personality.  Paulie Gibson uses colors to relate feelings and adapted a feelings philosophy to the clothes.  As he was raised in the Midwest, the experience in fashion there is that everyone generally looks the same.  For Paulie being inside the box did not allow for individualism to be expressed.  This is how his clothing line was born.  Paulie Gibson is a reflection of uniqueness, clever and outstanding designs that are not mainstream; however, they are classic and powerful at the same time.  Even though men traditionally seek to fit in the crowd, there are those out there that don’t want to be like everyone else.  The clothes from Paulie Gibson are designed to make a man feel special and confident in their own style. 

The latest collection created by Paulie Gibson, called Tribe, was inspired on a trip made out west to California and Paul’s exposure to Southwestern culture.  The theme speaks to how we all actually come from different tribes and how there is and can be inclusion.  It highlights the idea of being family, being one, and celebrating the differences we have.  The designs are heavy with print on print and the fabrics range from rayon to chiffon to enable a creative utilization of different textures to bring out the sexy in men’s clothing.  The designs are infused with color and energy and spill over with what can only be described as a cosmic vibe.  Paulie Gibson believes that the truest fashion is when one gives of themselves and looks inside and exudes that feeling.  Paulie Gibson clothes embrace a man with energy, strength, and style in such a manner that can only deliver that sense of individuality and uniqueness that brings the fashion alive.  As the tribes of designers gather together at Phoenix Fashion Week 2012, lets experience the celestial ambiance that only Paulie Gibson can deliver.

Website:  http://pauliegibson.com/
Twitter:  @PG1213

Fashionista Dreams in Style, Designer Article Series, Part 10

Knowing who you are and how you feel is clearly portrayed in one’s fashion choices.  Designers exist to feed the world with their love of creation.  This article series is being written to allow you a sneak peek into the lives of some of designers that are part of the 2012 Phoenix Fashion Week.  The interviews comprise of candid discussions and questions asked of the designers and my interpretation of their answers.   The write-up will be a summary of the conversation.

 

ENVY by Khanh began his journey into fashion because he wanted to see his sketches come to life.  This was his dream and his family and friends have encouraged him along the way.  Khanh has always loved to draw and he majored in drawing and painting in school at ASU.  He embodies the vision of a true fashion designer in that he really designs the clothes and allows others the opportunity to actually bring them to fruition and make the clothes he had sketched.  He realizes where his gift and talents are and through that has aligned with expert seamstresses and tailors that he trusts to make the creations from his ideas and drawings.  Even though he does not sew his designs himself, he learned the key elements to help him design better in addition he developed a strong understanding of placement and accessorizing which helps in finishing the creations.

ENVY by Khanh is known for the geometric look and asymmetry in many of his designs.  Khanh has a specific method he uses to balance his designs especially as it relates to colors.  If the designs are complicated and bold, then he uses dark colors and usually no more than one color.  If the designs are simple then more colors and contrasting colors are used as the focal point.  ENVY by Khanh uses high quality fabric that is comfortable and has a higher price point.  His specific fabric content blend is 60% polyester and 40% cotton which allows his designs to be elegant and all machine washable and even wrinkle-free.  Khanh is working to make the apparel easier to care for and a staple for every woman to have. 
  ENVY by Khanh wants to convey the message through the clothing line that women should have and be bold, elegant and sophisticated and they should stand out when clothed with his designs.  They should feel comfortable with the flexible and tailored designs to have a figure flattering feeling with the form fitting clothing that makes them feel good about themselves.  In the future ENVY is planning to develop a men’s clothing line.   Khanh plans to distribute worldwide and also in small boutiques.   There are many more exciting ideas and concepts that will be introduced by ENVY in 2013 and beyond.  As we enter Phoenix Fashion Week 2012, Khanh plans to be explosive on the runway and make everyone ENVY!!!

Website:  http://www.envybykhanh.com/ 
Twitter:  @ENVYbyKhanh

Fashionista Dreams in Style, Designer Article Series, Part 9

Fashion transforms by creating an image and allowing the person to become something they may aspire to be.  There are influences that go deeper than just the look and feel.  This article series is being written to allow you a sneak peek into the lives of some of designers that are part of the 2012 Phoenix Fashion Week.  The interviews comprise of candid discussions and questions asked of the designers and my interpretation of their answers.   The write-up will be a summary of the conversation.

Suzanne Lay’s first dream was to be a Rock Star…speed up the clock and now she is a rock star Fashion Designer.  Her mom taught her at the age of 8 years old how to sew and she fell in love with it.  As she was growing up she started to make her own clothes and then for her friends.  While her other friends decided to pursue education in sciences, Suzanne’s draw was still towards fashion and clothing.  She went to Columbia College in Missouri and attended the fashion courses there and again reaffirmed her love for fashion. 

Suzanne Lay wants the image of bold and enviable style to be reflected in her fashion.  The designs are somewhat of an alter ego of a Midwestern girl in that she wants the clothing to stand out and when a person walks into a room that they are noticed and different and others want what she is wearing.  One of her strongest influences came from the experience she had in an internship with Zandra Rhodes, a well-known British designer, whose own lifestyle is also as dramatic, glamorous and extrovert as her designs.  This education and knowledge helped to shape and develop her design philosophy.

Regarding the fabrics used for her designs she utilizes knits as well as woven fabrics that feel really good and that are conforming and fitting and forgiving to really shape well on any figure.  She has been inspired as well as inspired others with her color combinations and designs as there is heart and soul woven into them based on the life trials and tribulations that have been experienced.  The corresponding theme captured is how love burns deep and the ability to find strength in your heart.  These concepts have enabled Suzanne to develop a clothing line that is romantic with hard edge looks that are edgy and sexy. 

Her goals are to get into as many boutiques as possible and drive towards high volume production.  She is definitely reaching many markets and her home one of St. Louis, MO.  She hopes her designs enable others to create a lifestyle they want to share with everybody.  Suzanne Lay’s main tagline – “Bright colors. Bold looks. Enviable style.” says it all.  The key messaging emphasizes being an “Enviable Woman”, which is a woman that when she wears these clothes she aspires to be beautiful and feel better about herself.  There is excitement and spontaneity that just seems to exude from the designs as well as the voice that Suzanne has about what she has created.   The runway is calling to Suzanne Lay, watch out and get ready to rock and roll!!

Website:  http://www.suzannelay.com/

Twitter:  @SuzanneLaySTL

Fashionista Dreams in Style, Designer Article Series, Part 8

Having fun with your style can only mean you enjoy what you wear.  One place you always want that feeling is when you are on vacation or want that feeling of freedom like that.  This article series is being written to allow you a sneak peek into the lives of some of designers that are part of the 2012 Phoenix Fashion Week.  The interviews comprise of candid discussions and questions asked of the designers and my interpretation of their answers.   The write-up will be a summary of the conversation.

Living Dreams began way before the brand was even created.  Michael had a whole family of successful self-made driven individuals that inspired and challenged him to do great things.  He started his fashion endeavors by taking t-shirt making embroidery classes in high school.  He learned the design, print and manufacturing side of the business.  His first major product revolved around playing competitive paintball.  His brand was called “Sunday Paintball” and became an internationally known product of Paintball T-shirts that were like team uniforms for the players.  He had significant success in that business and was ranked #1 in clothing for paintball.  He graduated from ASU 2010 and took some time to gain more experience and knowledge in different areas. 

 

Michael realized he was meant to pursue entrepreneurial directions and with his past experience he knew that LivingDreams was the reality he wanted to pursue especially because of the philosophy that he believed in.  With his leadership, work ethic, and energy to get the job done, the pursuit to develop another brand that could be as successful as the first has become his daily effort.  Living Dreams is about being bold, strong, determined and truly living life and not waiting to live.  The concept is simple but tried and perfected in colors and styles and products.  Hats and Jackets are coming in the future for Living Dreams.  

The subtle message around the label is about being the “supreme” label and being A-List premium.  The idea revolves around that feeling you get when you are on the list and you receive VIP treatment.  It’s about having that great feeling all the time.  The brand represents where everyone wants to be and the symbolism that one experiences when they have freedom and living their life by their rules and having fun. The beach lifestyle look along with the bold and bright color combinations is part of the signature of the brand.  Living Dreams wants you to experience life like you are on a vacation all the time and living it that way every day.